Patent application title: MOTION CAPTURE ELEMENT MOUNT

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Abstract:

Enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture
electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count
components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap
for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying
the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and
replaced, for example without any tools. May utilize a weight that is
removed when inserting the electronic package in the mount, wherein the
weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no
net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a
shaft enclosure and expander that may be coupled with a screw aligned
along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf club shaft. May utilize
non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and golf club
shaft. Cap may include a visual marker and/or logo.

Claims:

1. A motion capture element mount comprising: an expander; a shaft
enclosure configured to couple with said expander; an attachment element
configured to couple said expander with said shaft enclosure and
non-permanently engage an inner portion of a piece of equipment without
modification of said piece of equipment; a cap; and, said shaft enclosure
configured to non-permanently couple with said cap.

2. The apparatus claim 1 further comprising: electrical components
comprising a positive battery contact; a insulator that is electrically
insulative; a negative battery contact; an electronics package; a
wireless antenna; and, wherein said shaft enclosure and said cap are
configured to internally hold said electrical components.

3. The apparatus claim 2 wherein said electrical components are removable
to comply with sporting regulations.

4. The apparatus claim 2 further comprising: a weight element; and,
wherein said shaft enclosure and said cap are further configured to
internally hold said weight element when at least one of said electrical
components is removed and wherein said weight element is configured to
weigh an amount that minimizes a difference in weight between said at
least one of said electrical components that is removed and said weight
element.

6. The apparatus claim 1 further comprising: an identifier coupled with
said electronics package associated with a golf club number.

7. The apparatus claim 1 further comprising: an identifier coupled with
said electronics package associated with a golf club number wherein said
identifier is passive and is configured to operate without contact with a
battery or wherein said identifier is active and is configured to couple
with a battery.

8. The apparatus claim 1 further comprising: a visual marker coupled with
said cap.

9. The apparatus claim 1 further comprising: a display area coupled with
said cap and configured to display a golf club number.

10. The apparatus claim 1 wherein said cap and said shaft enclosure are
configured to couple together with a plurality of coupling elements
situated around said cap.

11. A motion capture element mount comprising: an expander; a shaft
enclosure configured to couple with said expander; an attachment element
configured to couple said expander with said shaft enclosure and
non-permanently engage an inner portion of a golf club shaft or grip of a
golf club without modification of said piece of equipment; a cap;
electrical components comprising a positive battery contact; a insulator
that is electrically insulative; a negative battery contact; an
electronics package; and, wherein said shaft enclosure and said cap are
configured to internally hold said positive battery contact, said
insulator, said negative battery contact and said electronics package.

12. The apparatus claim 11 wherein said electrical components are
removable to comply with sporting regulations.

13. The apparatus claim 11 further comprising: a weight element; wherein
said shaft enclosure and said cap are further configured to internally
hold said weight element when at least one of said electrical components
is removed and wherein said weight element is configured to weigh an
amount that minimizes a difference in weight between said at least one of
said electrical components that is removed and said weight element.

14. The apparatus claim 11 further comprising: a wireless antenna coupled
with said cap and coupled with said electronics package.

15. The apparatus claim 11 further comprising: an identifier coupled with
said electronics package associated with a golf club number.

16. The apparatus claim 11 further comprising: an identifier coupled with
said electronics package associated with a golf club number wherein said
identifier is active and is configured to couple with a battery or is
passive and is configured to operate without contact with a battery.

17. The apparatus claim 11 further comprising: a visual marker coupled
with said cap.

18. The apparatus claim 11 wherein said cap and said shaft enclosure are
configured to couple together with a plurality of coupling elements
situated around said cap.

19. The apparatus claim 11 further comprising: a display area coupled
with said cap and configured to display a golf club number.

20. A motion capture element mount comprising: an expander; a shaft
enclosure configured to couple with said expander; an attachment element
configured to couple said expander with said shaft enclosure and
non-permanently engage an inner portion of a golf club shaft or grip of a
golf club without modification of said piece of equipment; a cap;
electrical components comprising a positive battery contact; a insulator
that is electrically insulative; a negative battery contact; an
electronics package; an identifier; a wireless antenna; a visual marker
coupled with said cap; a display area coupled with said cap and
configured to display a golf club number; and, wherein said shaft
enclosure and said cap are configured to internally hold said positive
battery contact, said insulator, said negative battery contact, said
electronics package, and said identifier and wireless antenna and wherein
said electrical components are removable from within said shaft enclosure
and said cap to comply with sporting regulations.

Description:

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 13/048,850 filed 15 Mar. 2011, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.
12/901,806 filed 11 Oct. 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/868,882 filed 26 Aug. 2010, the
specifications of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] One or more embodiments setting forth the ideas described
throughout this disclosure pertain to the field of mounts as utilized in
sporting equipment for electronics and visual markers. More particularly,
but not by way of limitation, one or more aspects of the disclosure
enable a motion capture element mount.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Known systems for mounting electronics on sporting equipment
include mounts in the shafts of fishing poles, and golf clubs for
example. Existing mounts have the following limitations:

[0006] Existing mounts for sporting equipment electronics require
alteration of an existing piece of sporting equipment before attaching
the mount and hence electronics. For example, known mounts require
modification of a golf club shaft to include threads.

[0007] Some mounts extend longitudinally away from the normal ending point
of the shaft for a distance that is far enough to interfere with or
provide a confusing point at which to grasp the club.

[0008] Other mounts combine the electronics on the mount itself in a
monolithic package that does not allow for the weight of the club to
remain constant with or without electronics installed. For example, in
sports with rules against instrumented sporting equipment, the weight of
an instrumented piece of sporting equipment differs from the weight of
the same non-instrumented piece of sporting equipment that complies with
competition rules.

[0009] There are no known systems that include electronics within the
shaft of a piece of sporting equipment that are also utilized to provide
a visual marker for motion capture. Traditionally, mounts have been used
for electronics or visual markers, but not both.

[0010] For at least the limitations described above there is a need for a
motion capture element mount.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Embodiments of the invention enable a motion capture element mount
for a piece of sporting, exercise or medical rehabilitation equipment,
for example a golf club, tennis racquet, weight training bar, or any
other equipment capable of movement by a human. In addition, embodiments
enable existing equipment that was not manufactured originally with a
mount for electronics to be retrofitted with a motion capture element
mount. The apparatus may be located within a shaft or grip in the handle
portion of the equipment for example. The mount is configured to hold
electronics and/or a visual marker. Embodiments of the invention do not
require modifying the equipment, for example the golf club, to include
threads within the shaft. The apparatus may be flush mounted with the
normal end of the equipment or have any desired length of extension from
the end of the equipment. The mount also allows for the battery to be
easily removed and replaced, for example without any tools. Although the
remainder of this disclosure refers to an exemplary piece of equipment
such as a golf club, one skilled in the art will recognize that
embodiments of the invention may be utilized in any type of equipment
capable of coupling with the apparatus.

[0012] One or more embodiments of the mount include a shaft enclosure and
expander that may be coupled with an attachment element, for example a
screw that is aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf club
shaft. The shaft enclosure and expander are situated within the handle
portion of a golf club and engage in inner portion of the golf club shaft
or grip for example. In one or more embodiments, the screw is then
rotated to move the shaft enclosure and expander together, which thus
forces legs of the shaft enclosure in a direction orthogonal to the axis
of the golf club shaft. The force of the shaft enclosure against the
inner wall of the golf club shaft thus couples the shaft enclosure to the
golf club shaft non-permanently, for example based on the coefficient of
static friction therebetween. After the shaft enclosure and expander are
brought close enough together via the attachment element to securely
couple the mount to the golf club shaft or inside portion of a grip that
is coupled to the golf club shaft, then either the electronics package or
a weight element is coupled with the shaft enclosure. Embodiments of the
weight element require no modification of the equipment. A cap is coupled
with the shaft enclosure in either case, which provides a cover for the
weight element or electronics package and which may include a visual
marker and/or logo on the cap. Any other method or structure that enables
a non-permanent mount of the apparatus that requires no modification of
the golf club shaft is in keeping with the spirit of the invention.

[0013] If the electronics package is installed, then generally a positive
battery contact, printed circuit board (PCB), an insulator or insulative
spacer, with negative electrical contact and battery may be installed
between the shaft enclosure and cap. The electronics that may be coupled
with the PCB for example may include active motion capture electronics
that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for
example a passive or active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
Embodiments of the electronics may include motion capture accelerometers
and/or gyroscopes and/or an inertial measurement unit along with wireless
transmitter/receiver or transceiver components. The RFID tag enables golf
shots for each club associated with a golfer to be counted. Golf shots
may optionally be counted via an identifier associated with motion
capture electronics on the golf club in conjunction with a mobile
computer, for example an IPHONE® equipped with an RFID reader that
concentrates the processing for golf shot counting on the mobile computer
instead of on each golf club. Optionally a wireless antenna may be
coupled with the cap or alternatively may be implemented integral to the
PCB as desired. One or more embodiments of the invention may also include
a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. The GPS antenna may be mounted
on the printed circuit board or may be located separate from the printed
circuit board. One or more embodiments of the invention may also directly
or indirectly communicate with any other sensors coupled with the club
including motion analysis capture elements, strain gauges or any other
type of sensor coupled for example with the golf club head. One or more
embodiments of the invention may also utilize a battery coupling that
attaches the battery to the shaft enclosure so that when the cap is
removed, the battery does not fall out, unless intended. Embodiments may
also utilized spring based electrical contacts to prevent loss of
electrical conductivity under high acceleration.

[0014] As previously stated, one or more embodiments may include a weight
element that is interchangeable with the electronic package in the mount.
The electronics package may be removed for example to comply with any
sporting rules that do not allow instrumented sporting equipment. For
example, USGA Rule 14-3 on Artificial Devices prohibits any "unusual
device", for example under 14-3(b) "For the purpose of gauging or
measuring distance". Any embodiment of the electronics package including
a GPS receiver may thus be removed prior to match play for example and
replaced with a weight element to minimize the weight difference. For
example, the weight element may for example weigh close to or the same as
the electronics to minimize overall instrumented versus non-instrumented
weight differences of the golf club. In addition, a manufacture may
provide the mount on each club with a small weight for example, that is
removed when the golfer decides to upgrade the club to include active
instrumented electronics or passive shot count elements that weigh the
same amount. The net effect on the club dynamics for swing then is
negligible. In one embodiment, the plastic portion of the mount weighs
5.7 grams and the battery weighs 3 grams while the screw weighs 1.9
grams. Thus the mounting components have minimal weight and by selecting
a weight element of the same weight of the electronics package, or
elements within the shaft enclosure and cap that are replaced by the
weight element, the golfer feels no change in club weight when upgrading
to an instrumented club.

[0015] The visual marker may be mounted on the cap for use with visual
motion capture cameras. A golf club number may also be displayed on in a
display area of the cap to indicate which club number is associated with
the golf club. Embodiments of the visual marker may be passive or active,
meaning that they may either have a visual portion that is visually
trackable or may include a light emitting element such as a light
emitting diode (LED) that allows for image tracking in low light
conditions respectively. This for example may be implemented with a
graphical symbol or colored marker at the cap of the mount on the shaft
at the end of the handle for example. Motion analysis may be performed
externally, for example using a camera and computer system based on the
visual marker in any captured images. The visual data may also be
utilized in motion analysis in combination with any wireless data from
any installed electronics package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the ideas
conveyed through this disclosure will be more apparent from the following
more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the
following drawings wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention alone in
perspective view and as mounted in a golf club shaft as shown in cutaway
view.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention broken into an
exploded view of the main components along with the golf club shaft
handle and blow up views of the major components in transparent shading.

[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed cutaway view of the main components
of an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed cutaway view showing the negative
battery contact, also shown in full in exploded view in FIG. 4.

[0021] FIG. 3C illustrates a detailed cutaway view showing the positive
battery contact, also shown in full in exploded view in FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view "A" of the main mount
components along with the positive battery contact and battery, while
view "B1" shows a top oriented view of the insulator, negative battery
contact, electronics package, here a printed circuit board or PCB and
cap, while view "B2" shows a bottom oriented view of the same components
shown in view "B1".

[0023]FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view "A" of the main mount
components of a second embodiment of the invention along with the
positive and negative battery contact and battery, while view "B" shows a
bottom oriented view of the insulator, positive and negative battery
contact, electronics package, here a printed circuit board or PCB and
cap.

[0024] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the shaft enclosure and
insulator of a second embodiment of the invention along with the positive
and negative battery contact and battery.

[0025] FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the insulator along with
the positive and negative battery contact and battery.

[0031] FIG. 4I illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the
insulator of FIG. 4E.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a close up perspective view of the PCB and
associated positive and negative contacts that are configured to make an
electrical connection with the positive battery contact and the negative
battery contact respectively.

[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates a second embodiment of the positive battery
contact located in the shaft enclosure.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up perspective view of the cap with PCB
and negative battery contact showing along with a coupling element, here
four coupling points, and alignment element.

[0035]FIG. 6A illustrates a second embodiment of the negative batter
contact having faceted surfaces as shown from the bottom side of the
insulator.

[0036] FIG. 6B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 6A as shown from the top
side of the insulator.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up perspective view of the cap and
alignment element.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway view of a second embodiment of the
electronics package in longitudinal form along with a second embodiment
of a coupling element.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless antenna, for example
a BLUETOOTH® antenna, configured to mount within the cap.

[0040] FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the cap having two antennas, a
wireless antenna, for example a BLUETOOTH® antenna and a GPS antenna.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] A motion capture element mount will now be described. In the
following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the ideas described
throughout this specification. It will be apparent, however, to an
artisan of ordinary skill that embodiments of ideas described herein may
be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details
described herein. In other instances, specific aspects well known to
those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so
as not to obscure the disclosure. Readers should note that although
examples of the innovative concepts are set forth throughout this
disclosure, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what
define the invention. Although this disclosure refers to an exemplary
piece of equipment such as a golf club, one skilled in the art will
recognize that embodiments of the invention may be utilized in any
equipment capable of coupling with the apparatus. This includes any piece
of sporting, exercise or medical rehabilitation equipment, for example a
golf club, tennis racquet, weight training bar, or any other equipment
capable of movement by a human.

[0042]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention 100 alone in
perspective view and as mounted in a shaft of a piece of movement
equipment, here golf club shaft 110 as shown in cutaway view. Embodiments
enable a mount for a new golf club or that can be retrofitted in an
existing golf club. The mount may be located in the handle portion of the
shaft of the golf club, or for example within a grip that is to be
attached to the golf club shaft, and is configured to hold electronics
and/or a visual marker.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention broken into an
exploded view of the main components along with the golf club shaft
handle and blow up views of the major components in transparent shading.
One or more embodiments of the mount include shaft enclosure 220 and
expander 210 that may be coupled with an attachment mechanism, for
example a screw aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf
club shaft. The shaft enclosure and expander are situated within the
handle portion of a golf club, i.e., golf club shaft 110. In one or more
embodiments, the screw is then rotated to move the shaft enclosure
towards the expander, which thus forces legs of the shaft enclosure in a
direction orthogonal to the axis of the golf club shaft. The force of the
shaft enclosure against the inner wall of the golf club shaft thus
couples the shaft enclosure to the golf club shaft based on the
coefficient of static friction therebetween. Any other mechanism of
coupling the shaft enclosure to a golf club in a non-permanent manner is
in keeping with the spirit of the invention. After the shaft enclosure
and expander are brought close enough together via the screw to securely
couple the mount to the golf club shaft, then either the electronics
package or a weight element that may for example weigh the same as the
electronics, is coupled with the shaft enclosure. Cap 230 is coupled with
the shaft enclosure in either case, which provides a cover for the weight
element or electronics package and which may include a visual marker
and/or logo on the cap. One or more embodiments of the electronics
package are removable to comply with any sporting rules that do not allow
instrumented sporting equipment for example. Any other method or
structure that enables a non-permanent mount of the apparatus that
requires no modification of the golf club shaft is in keeping with the
spirit of the invention.

[0044] Optionally, an identification element or ID sticker, for example an
RFID tag may be mounted within the shaft enclosure, cap, or any other
portion of the apparatus, for shot count or club identification
functionality. The identification element may also be implemented
integral to, or coupled with the PCB in any manner as desired.

[0045] If the electronics package is installed, then generally a positive
battery contact, printed circuit board or PCB, an insulator or insulative
spacer, with negative electrical contact and battery may be installed
between the shaft enclosure and cap. Optionally, a wireless antenna
and/or GPS antenna may be coupled with the cap or alternatively may be
implemented integral to the PCB as desired. Also see FIGS. 3A-C, 4, 4A-D
and 9 for more detailed views.

[0046] FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed cutaway view of the main components
of an embodiment of the invention, specifically expander 210, shaft
enclosure 220 and cap 230. FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed cutaway view
showing negative battery contact 450, also shown in full in exploded view
in FIG. 4. FIG. 3C illustrates a detailed cutaway view showing positive
battery contact 420, also shown in full in exploded view in FIG. 4.
Optional O-ring indentation 310 on shaft enclosure 220 provides a
potential well for O-ring 320 to be located. Different size O-rings may
be utilized to provide a secure fit on the end of shaft enclosure 220 on
the end near cap 230.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view "A" of the main mount
components, namely expander 210, shaft enclosure 220 along with screw
410, positive battery contact 420 and battery 430, while view "B1" shows
a top oriented view of the insulator 440, negative battery contact 450,
electronics package 460, here a printed circuit board or PCB and cap 230,
while view "B2" shows a bottom oriented view of the same components shown
in view "B1". The left portion of shaft enclosure 220 shows extensions or
"legs" that allow for the shaft enclosure to radially expand when
expander 210 is pulled along the axis shown by screw 410, when screw 410
is rotated. To keep expander 210 from simply rotating when screw 410 is
rotated, expander 210 may include a protrusion (shown on the left side of
the expander) that aligns in a slot formed by two of the shaft
enclosure's legs. In this manner, expander 210 is pulled along the axis
of the screw without rotating along that axis. Electronics package 460
for example may include active motion capture electronics that are
battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a
passive or active RFID tag, which for example may be coupled with
electronics package 460 or for example coupled with insulator 440. In
addition, a GPS antenna may also be coupled with electronics package 460
or cap 230 (see FIG. 9A). Embodiments of the electronics may include
motion capture accelerometers and/or gyroscopes and/or an inertial
measurement unit along with wireless transmitter/receiver or transceiver
components. The RFID tag enables golf shots for each club associated with
a golfer to be counted. The RFID tag may be coupled with any component
shown as RFID tags are tiny, for example cap 230 or shaft enclosure 220
or electronics package 460, or any other element. Golf shots may
optionally be counted via an identifier associated with motion capture
electronics on the golf club in conjunction with a mobile computer, for
example an IPHONE® equipped with an RFID reader that concentrates the
processing for golf shot counting on the mobile computer instead of on
each golf club.

[0048] The visual marker may be mounted on cap 230, shown as a circle with
dots in view B1 may be utilized with visual motion capture cameras. A
golf club number may also be displayed on in a display area of the cap to
indicate which club number is associated with the golf club, which is
shown as a small circle with a number in it in view B1. Embodiments of
the visual marker may be passive or active, meaning that they may either
have a visual portion that is visually trackable or may include a light
emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) that allows for
image tracking in low light conditions respectively. This for example may
be implemented with a graphical symbol or colored marker at the cap of
the mount on the shaft at the end of the handle for example. Motion
analysis may be performed externally, for example using a camera and
computer system based on the visual marker in any captured images. The
visual data may also be utilized in motion analysis in combination with
any wireless data from electronics package 460.

[0049]FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view "A" of the main mount
components of a second embodiment of the invention, namely expander 210a,
with ribs slightly offset with respect to expander 210 of FIG. 4. In
addition, FIG. 4A also shows a second embodiment of shaft enclosure 220a
having coupling elements that enable second embodiment of insulator 440a
to securely couple to shaft enclosure 220a without falling out if the
mount is turned upside down for example. In this embodiment, insulator
440a holds battery 430 inside while providing access to the battery so
that positive battery contact 420a and negative battery contact 450a can
make electrical contact with battery 430. View "B" shows a
bottom-oriented view of the insulator, positive and negative battery
contact, electronics package, here a printed circuit board or PCB and
cap. Weight element 490 can be any shape so long as weight element 490
fits within, or couples in any direct or indirect manner with shaft
enclosure 220 or 220a and cap 230 for example. Weight element 490 can be
made to weigh as near as desired to the weight of the components that it
replaces, for example to comply with any sporting rules that do not allow
instrumented sporting equipment, e.g., during competition. Weight element
490 can also be utilized with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 as one
skilled in the art will appreciate.

[0050] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of shaft enclosure 220a and
insulator 440a of the second embodiment of the invention of FIG. 4A along
with the positive and negative battery contact 420a and 450a respectively
(situated above holes in insulator 440a) along with battery 430 that is
internally held within insulator 440a. Insulator 440a includes for
example snap components, e.g., coupling elements 441 that couple with
coupling elements 221 of shaft enclosure 220a so that insulator 440a and
hence battery 430 do not fall out when the cap is removed. To remove
insulator 440a and hence battery 430, tab 442 may be engaged with for
example a finger, screw driver or other implement to disengage coupling
elements 441 from coupling elements 221. Alignment component 443 enables
rotational alignment of the insulator with the shaft enclosure.

[0051] FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the insulator along with
the positive and negative battery contact 420a and 450a respectively, and
battery 430. Coupling elements 441 are shown on the top and bottom in the
written page, however any type of coupling element may be utilized in
keeping with the spirit of the invention as desired.

[0052]FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective close-up view of positive battery
contact 420a. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the positive
and negative battery contacts may utilize the same structure. Any type of
positive and negative battery contacts may be utilized so long as they
maintain electric connection between the battery and electronics package.

[0053]FIG. 4E illustrates a top view of an embodiment of insulator 440a
that is configured to house a battery along with specific exemplary
dimensions. To remove insulator 440a and hence the battery within
insulator 440a, tab 442 may be engaged with for example a finger, screw
driver or other implement to disengage coupling elements 441 from the
coupling elements shown for example in FIG. 4B. In this figure, the
numbers represent millimeters, and angle tolerances are within 2 degrees.
As shown, this embodiment of insulator 440a is configured to house a 6.4
mm battery. Although not required for distribution in some countries, one
or more embodiments of insulator 440a may be constructed to be compliant
with EU Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS) and EU Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE).
Embodiments may alternatively be constructed to be compliant with any
other electrical or manufacturing standards as desired.

[0054] FIG. 4F illustrates a first side of the embodiment of the insulator
of FIG. 4E. See also FIG. 4H for the cross section view. FIG. 4G
illustrates a second side of the embodiment of the insulator of FIG. 4E.
FIG. 4H illustrates a cross section view "A" of FIG. 4F. FIG. 4I
illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the insulator of FIG. 4E.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a close up perspective view of the electronics
package 460 or PCB and associated positive contact 510 and negative
contact 520 that are configured to make an electrical connection with the
positive battery contact 420 and the negative battery contact 450
respectively. See also FIG. 4 for an exploded view of the relative
positioning of the components shown in this figure.

[0056] FIG. 5A illustrates a second embodiment of positive battery contact
420b located in the shaft enclosure. This embodiment is symmetrical in
that there are two opposing sets of upward projections from the base
plane that contacts shaft enclosure 220. One of the opposing sets of
upward projections of positive battery contact 420b are slightly wider
and are positioned within areas on shaft enclosure 220 to allow for
radially aligning positive battery contact 420b with respect to shaft
enclosure 220.

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up perspective view of cap 230 with
electronics package 460 or PCB and negative battery contact 450 coupled
with insulator 440 showing along with a coupling element, here four
coupling points 610 (with only the top two shown with reference number
610 with the inside portions visible, while the opposing two have only
the initial slot openings in the cap visible), and alignment element 620.

[0058]FIG. 6A illustrates a second embodiment of the negative battery
contact 450b having faceted surfaces as shown from the bottom side of
insulator 440. FIG. 6B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 6A as shown
from the top side of the insulator. The right portion of negative battery
contact 450b as shown may be folded over to engage insulator 440 while
the opposing end of negative battery contact 450b may freely travel in a
slot provided in insulator 440. The slot allows for the negative battery
contact 450b to flatten, and hence travel in the slot, based on the force
generated by placing the battery against negative battery contact 450b.

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up perspective view of the cap and
alignment element. Alignment element 620 allows for the angular alignment
of insulator 440, and electronics package 460 that have indents on their
sides to engage the alignment element 620. (See FIG. 4). By aligning
insulator 440 and electronics package 460 with cap 230, positive battery
contact 420 and negative electrical contact 450 are also aligned
rotationally since they couple to respective components non-rotationally,
for example.

[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway view of a second embodiment of
electronics package 460a in longitudinal form along with a second
embodiment of a coupling element. Any other orientation of electronics is
in keeping with the spirit of the invention so long as the mount is
configured to hold the desired electronics package. Embodiments of the
invention do not require modifying the golf club, for example to include
threads within the shaft. Embodiments of the invention also can be flush
mounted with the normal end of a golf club shaft or have any desired low
profile extension from a non-instrumented club. Embodiments of the
invention generally utilize a mount that is separate from the electronics
so that the electronics package can be easily removed and replaced, or so
that the battery can be easily removed and replaced, for example without
any tools. As shown in this embodiment, a different coupling mechanism is
used versus coupling points 610, namely threads 810 that engage shaft
enclosure 220, which in this embodiment has corresponding threads.

[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of wireless antenna 910,
configured to mount within cap 230 as shown in the right portion of the
figure. Alternatively, the wireless antenna may be coupled with the
electronics package 460 or may include any conductive element in any
shape that can radiate electromagnetic energy.

[0062] FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the cap having two antennas, a
wireless antenna, for example a BLUETOOTH® antenna and a GPS antenna
920. The GPS antenna is optional and may be mounted in cap 230 as
wireless antenna 910 is, or may be implemented in a different form factor
or coupled with the PCB in any direct or indirect manner as one skilled
in the art will appreciate.

[0063] While the ideas herein disclosed has been described by means of
specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and
variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.